JavaScript is disabled. For customize this text use <NoJavaScript> element.

This website uses cookies solely to enhance performance. If you do not consent to their use, please close your browser now.

Hiatus Hernia

A hiatus hernia occurs when part of the stomach slides up into the chest cavity
where the oesophagus
passes through the hole (hiatus) in the diaphragm.
These hernias are common in people over 50 but, apart from some heartburn
and pain, rarely cause complications. If the heartburn goes on for a long
time or becomes severe, the condition is known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

The exact cause of hiatus hernia is not known. It is commonly associated with
the stretching of the diaphragm muscles due to increased pressure in the abdomen
caused by:

being overweight or obese

pregnancy

having a long-term cough (e.g. smoker's cough)

straining to pass urine as with men who have prostate trouble

Diagnosis is normally by barium swallow or endoscopy:

a barium meal is swallowed and the liquid followed down the oesophagus by continuous x-raying

a long, thin tube containing a light source and a tiny camera (endoscope) is passed
through the mouth or nose and swallowed. Tissue samples (biopsy) may be taken
for closer examination.

Changes in lifestyle can reduce the symptoms and prevent further problems occuring:

eating frequent small meals

reducing the amount of spicy foods, coffee and alcohol taken

not eating just before going to bed

wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothes

losing weight if overweight or obese

stopping smoking

sleeping with several pillows or raising the head end of the bed by about 10cm.

Antacids or acid-blocking medicines from a chemist give relief. If indigestion occurs regularly several times a week, a GP should be consulted who may prescribe more powerful
medication. Rarely, keyhole surgery may be needed to push the stomach back
into its correct position and repair the gap in the diaphragm.